Fall for These Wine Country Escapes
written by Jean Chen Smith
Oregon tips the scale at more than 1,100 wineries in the state, making it the ideal destination for a wine country getaway. Fall is the harvest season for the majority of vineyards, when grapes are ripe for picking, and properties are abuzz with activity. Grapevines are at the apex of their beauty with an abundance of grapes. It is my favorite time to visit wineries.
There are many options when it comes to choosing romantic accommodations after a day of wine tasting. Some wineries offer luxurious lodging where you can sip and stay, enjoying an immersive experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the vines, staying on a working vineyard is a unique getaway. Boutique hotels and small inns also make an excellent choice when visiting wine country. Fall head over heels for these idyllic stops.
CARLTON
Abbey Road Farm
Abbey Road Farm is a spectacular 82-acre working farm featuring five charming rooms located inside converted grain silos. There is also an elegant tasting room with tasty snacks curated by the kitchen. The outdoor patio offers stunning vistas of Carlton. Before becoming the wine country destination it is today, the 20-acre property was a farm with live-stock and a horse arena. In 2017, Daniel and Sandi Wilkens purchased the farm with the vision of expanding it, creating a haven where wine and hospitality converge.
It is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Rooms are modern and comfortable, some with whirlpool tubs. The big-gest highlight of the stay is a gourmet, multicourse breakfast prepared by chef Will Preisch. His innovative creations had our mouths watering every morning. In October, the farm will hold their Dinner in the Field event in collaboration with Field & Vine. Guests can relax and enjoy a seven-course meal while surrounded by the beauty of the farm.
10501 NE Abbey Road, Carlton; www.abbeyroadfarm.com
DAYTON
The Inn at Dayton
Tucked among the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, The Inn at Dayton is a twelve-room boutique hotel located within a historic red brick building, formerly the Weinhard Hotel. The revitalized 1890 structure is LEED Gold Certified, featuring distinguished rooms, some with fireplaces and sitting areas. Bathrooms have spa-centric showers and bath products.
Visitors are treated to a complimentary breakfast, featuring local ingredients delivered daily to their room. Couples can join casual wine gatherings the inn hosts in the afternoons. Explore things to do in the area with the concierge, who also serves a delightful welcome drink upon arrival. Conveniently located in downtown Dayton, boutiques and restaurants are just steps from the hotel.
520 3rd St., Dayton; www.theinnatdayton.com
SALEM
Bryn Mawr Vineyards
Located near Salem, Bryn Mawr Vineyards’ sprawling 40-acre estate vineyard offers two luxurious properties—the Guest House and the Gate House. After a day of exploring the area’s top-notch wineries, settle into the privacy of your rental. Designed and manufactured by Ideabox, a local business, the Guest House has two bedrooms, two spacious bathrooms, a full kitchen and exquisite views. Nestled among the vineyards, the Gate House offers more space, including a sitting room and two large patios. Bryn Mawr is known for its distinct grape varietals, including pinot noir, chardonnay, dolcetto, pinot blanc and riesling, along with its certified sustainable practices.
5935 Bethel Heights Road NW, Salem; www.brynmawrvineyards.com
SALEM
AtTheJoy at Anahata Vineyard
This palatial 6,500-square-foot, six-bedroom rental is perched among Anahata Vineyard’s 24-acre property. Anahata translates to “heart chakra” in Sanskrit, hence the home’s name, “AtTheJoy.” It overlooks Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills, and the estate is rented as one unit, which is a good option if traveling with multiple couples or multigenerational families. It features a main house and three bungalows, offering ample space for family reunions and celebrations. The kitchen houses state-of-the-art equipment for preparing meals, while a separate dining area is perfect for hosting intimate dinners. Guests can hang out on the patio, enjoying vineyard views, or take a dip in the pool to cool off. At sunset, take in the ambiance as you gather around the fire pit and watch the sun go down.
AtTheJoy’s family of brands spans nearly fifty years of experience in the beverage industry, which began when Andy Lytle sought to combine Oregon’s temperate grapes using French wine-making techniques. Aubaine and Lytle-Barnett produce a variety of wines, primarily focusing on pinot noir and chardonnay, with Lytle-Barnett also producing sparkling wines. Their sophisticated tasting room is located in downtown Dundee, a short thirty-minute drive away.
5900 Zena Road NW, Salem; www.atthejoy.com
CARLTON
Inn the Ground
This luxurious bed-and-breakfast is located on a working regenerative farm, which offers travelers an opportunity to connect with the land. Rooms showcase sweeping views of the property, private patios, spa showers and access to a state-of-the-art fitness center with pickleball and tennis courts. Enjoy an epicurean breakfast along with the stay. They also offer complimentary wine tastings at several local wineries and farm tours on the property. Meander the property, and explore the 8 miles of hiking trails. Inn the Ground often hosts wellness retreats and events, so be sure to check out the website for more details. One of my favorite offerings is their soundbath, which allows participants to activate their para-sympathetic nervous system and fall into deep relaxation.
Within The Ground’s hospitality umbrella is the award-winning restaurant Grounded Table, formerly Humble Spirit, located in downtown McMinnville. The farm-to-table restaurant showcases the freshest bounty of the region, with most of the produce and meat coming from Source Farms and Tabula Rasa Farms. The newly opened Pub features—what else—delicious pub fare alongside cocktails, wine and beer on tap.
15250 NW Panther Creek Road, Carlton; www.theground.love/stay/inn-the-ground
MCMINNVILLE
The Compass McMinnville
Exuding sophistication, The Compass McMinnville is a modern take on a traditional bed-and-breakfast. The five-suite luxe hotel is situated right in the downtown, featuring sunlit rooms with premium bathrooms, small workspaces and sumptuous Frette Italian linens. For more space, book the studio suite, which is a standalone unit that is kid-friendly. There is a kitchenette, dining nook and sitting area for some rest and relaxation. Each suite is stocked with complimentary snacks, along with a small bottle of local wine. There is a communal café, wine library and honor bar, with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for hanging out and enjoying time with your significant other.
706 SE 1st St., McMinnville; www.compassmcminnville.com
CENTRAL POINT
Hummingbird Estate
Hummingbird Estate, a 47-acre property, is situated in the heart of the Rogue Valley, best known for its wild beauty and outdoor recreation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the estate has five rooms and a private cottage. Rooms feature hardwood floors, elegant decor and spacious private baths. Some offer breathtaking views and sitting areas. The Vineyard Cottage is a two-bedroom and two-bathroom rental with a full kitchen, dining area and living room. The cottage’s front terrace is the perfect romantic perch to watch the sunset with a glass of Hummingbird Estate’s rosé. The tasting room over-looks the scenic Rogue Valley, where twosomes can enjoy wine, beer on tap and tasty picnic-style snacks.
1677 Old Stage Road, Central Point; www.hummingbirdestate.com
What to Pack
Now that you have all the details on the top picks for your wine country adventure, here are some must-haves to bring on your trip.
Long floral dresses like Trovata’s Sonia Dress in Hydra Border, available at Adorn in Portland, are a choice pick for wine tasting. Flowing and comfortable, it is made of cotton poplin and has two side pockets.
Bring along the Savannah Cardigan in Blue Stripe, which is a lightweight sweater to layer on chilly nights. www.trovata.com
Sunday Afternoons hat company, located in Ashland, makes hats for both men and women. Since tastings can often take place outside, bringing a hat keeps the sun out of your eyes and keeps you cool. The Havana Hat is unisex and comes in three colors and three sizes. www.sundayafternoons.com
Matching sets like Petal & Pup’s Marnie exude elegance and sophistication. The pant’s elastic waistband allows for a relaxed fit, and the sleeveless top is seasonless and acts as a great layering piece. www.petalandpup.com
Canyon River Wood’s handcrafted wood wine stoppers help keep your bubbles fresh. The company is situated along the Oregon Coast and makes the stoppers from Oregon myrtlewood. Each one is unique and the perfect wine-tasting companion. www.madeinoregon.com
Patagonia’s Men’s Go-To Shirt is lightweight and breathable. Choose from seven colors, and pair it with the brand’s Twill Traveler Chino Pants, which are made of moisture-wicking fabric. www.patagonia.com
Things to Do on Your Vineyard Escape
Coordinate your stay with some fun nearby attractions. Many of these family-owned businesses are open year-round, making them worthwhile visits any season.
SOTER | CARLTON
Soter Vineyards is located on Mineral Springs Ranch, a 240-acre biodynamic farm and vineyard in the center of Oregon’s wine country. The Demeter-certified winery adheres to the high standards of biodynamic agriculture, specializing in estate pinot noirs and chardonnays, as well as crisp sparkling wines. Choose from a diverse selection of experiences in their upscale tasting room. My favorite is their Provisions Tasting, which includes a guided lunch and wine adventure led by chef Clayton Allen and the culinary team. Soter also hosts events throughout the year, including In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild, an outdoor concert series surrounded by the beauty of the vineyards.
10880 NE Mineral Springs Road, Carlton; www.sotervineyards.com
HAYWARD | CARLTON
Make reservations for two at Hayward, the award-winning restaurant from chef Kari Shaughnessy. The restaurant, which was a James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant in 2024, recently relocated from the Mac Market to its new home, which features a bar, formal dining room and spacious outdoor patio. At just 32 years old, Shaughnessy is an established culinary powerhouse who seeks to use local and seasonal ingredients, while partnering with local purveyors.
209 N. Kutch St., Carlton; www.haywardrestaurant.com
FIALA FARMS | WEST LINN
Just a short twenty-five minutes from Portland, Fiala Farms has been family owned since 1906. The farm grows fruit and vegetables that are hand-picked daily and sold at their farm stand. They have everything from apples and peaches to yellow squash and sweet peppers. In the fall, their 5-acre corn maze and pumpkin patch is a major draw for visitors near and far. One of their biggest events is Dinner in the Field at Fiala Farms, which is typically held in July and August. The farm-to-table dinner is a seven-course sit-down meal with the farm’s in-season produce and meat from local purveyors. The farm is also a favored location for rehearsal dinners and wine country weddings.
21231 SW Johnson Road, West Linn; www.fialafarms.com
THE KITCHEN AT MIDDLEGROUND FARMS | WILSONVILLE
The Kitchen at Middleground Farms is located on a 17-acre family farm about twenty minutes from Portland. They offer cooking classes, happy hours and wine festivals within a converted cattle barn. Their most popular event is the Winemaker’s Dinner Series, where the kitchen partners with the area’s prominent wineries to curate a multicourse pairing experience.
Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a cooking lesson hosted by chefs Katie Cook and Kate Johnson and Curator of Wine and Experiences Jean Householder. The focus of our class was grilling meats, seafood and vegetables. The evening of demonstrations and hands-on learning culminated with a delicious feast at a communal table.
4651 SW Homesteader Road, Wilsonville; www.middlegroundfarms.com
DANCIN | MEDFORD
Located in Medford, DANCIN Vineyards is home to Burgundian-style pinot noirs, chardonnays, syrah, zinfandel and port wines. It is the birthplace of the Vinum New World Pinot Noir glass by Riedel, promoting the fruit and acidity. The glass’s distinct tulip shape is meant to distribute the aromas harmoniously, while minimizing the depth of the alcohol. The grounds are surrounded by lush trees and gardens, with an outdoor patio. Enjoy an artisan pizza and a glass of wine as you take in the views; the vineyard has an elevation up to 1,800 feet. There is also live music throughout the year.
4477 S. Stage Road, Medford; www.dancin.com
BROOKS WINE | AMITY
Located in Amity, Brooks Wine sits across 20 acres. Established in 1998, the biodynamic winery produces award-winning pinot noir and riesling. When visiting, choose from myriad tasting experiences; their Enhanced Experiences are some of my favorites, which feature a delicious wine-paired lunch, tour and curated tasting. In September, they host a Fall Equinox Supper, which is a family-style meal with wine pairings, using the freshest bounty of the fall harvest. The festive event is perfect for date night or an evening out with friends and family.
21101 SE Cherry Blossom Lane, Amity; www.brookswine.com
